Andrada Mining Reports Strong Tungsten, Copper and Tin Recoveries at Brandberg West
Andrada Mining Achieves Up to 91% Tungsten Recovery at Namibia’s Brandberg West Project, Signaling Lower-Cost Production Potential
Namibia-focused Andrada Mining has reported positive tungsten, copper and tin test results at the Brandberg West Project, demonstrating significant grade improvements, high metal recoveries and substantial mass reduction all of which point to the potential for a lower-cost and more efficient route to production.
The initial testwork forms part of a multiphase assessment programme at Brandberg West that includes evaluating tailings and waste material from the historical mine, alongside an exploration drilling campaign.
High recoveries were achieved for both tungsten and tin, with tungsten recoveries reaching up to 91% and tin recoveries up to 94%. A 90% mass reduction was also recorded, indicating the potential for reduced capital expenditure requirements and a faster pathway to commercial production.
Andrada reported a grade uplift across all nine test samples, with notable increases from feed grade to concentrate as a result of ore sorting.
Tungsten grades increased from 0.24% to 1.45%, copper from 0.73% to 2.81%, and tin from 0.31% to 2.09%.
“These results represent an important validation milestone in confirming the economic potential of tungsten as a key critical mineral at the Brandberg West project, particularly against the backdrop of exceptionally strong commodity prices,” said Anthony Viljoen.
He added that the grades achieved from testwork on historically mined waste dumps are significantly higher than global average grades for tungsten deposits, while also delivering correspondingly strong recovery rates.
“This outcome reinforces our confidence as we advance toward larger-scale test batches and firmly positions tungsten as a cornerstone critical metal within Andrada’s broader portfolio,” Viljoen said.
The company also highlighted the effectiveness of sensor-based X-ray transmission ore-sorting technology, which demonstrated the ability to identify and separate multiple target elements simultaneously. This capability confirms the potential to produce a high-value polymetallic concentrate from previously discarded material streams.
The testwork is being conducted under a staged earn-in agreement with natural resources investor ACAM through its affiliated special purpose vehicle BWCAM.
Under the terms of the agreement, BWCAM could acquire up to 49% ownership of the project. The current phase focuses on evaluating all historical material streams including waste rock, plant discard, tailings and hard rock within the existing pit to determine the full economic potential of the resource.
